What is the BEST road bike money can buy if you want to get SUPER LEAN & FAST?

Summary

This video script discusses the drastic price changes in the cycling industry, comparing bike prices from the past with today's market. The speaker, a seasoned bike buyer and seller since 2003, emphasizes the importance of determining personal goals when purchasing a bike. He advocates for rim brake bikes due to their simplicity, performance, and ease of maintenance over disc brake bikes. The speaker also critiques the cycling industry's marketing tactics, while offering insights on how to save money on bike purchases and prioritize a bike that enhances the riding experience.

Takeaways

• 💰 The speaker wants to help viewers save thousands of dollars on their next bike purchase.
• 🚴 The price of new bikes has skyrocketed, with models costing up to $20,000 AUD today compared to much lower prices 10 years ago.
• 🔧 The speaker emphasizes the importance of buying a bike that you will spend more time riding than fixing, suggesting simpler rim brake bikes over more complicated disc brake models.
• 🏆 The main goal should be performance and fitness, not social approval or expensive aesthetics.
• 🛠️ Rim brake bikes are easier to maintain and repair, making them a better choice for serious cyclists who want a reliable ride.
• 📉 The speaker criticizes the bike industry for pushing expensive new models that aren’t necessarily better, driven by marketing rather than performance.
• ⚙️ Cyclists should prioritize getting a bike that is fun to ride, low maintenance, and built for performance, rather than following trends.
• 💸 The speaker recommends buying used bikes, which can offer great value, instead of overpaying for new, overpriced models.
• 🤔 Riders should ask themselves what their goal is with their bike purchase, whether it's fitness or seeking approval from others.
• 🚫 Pro cyclists are used as marketing tools by the bike industry, and the switch to disc brakes in professional cycling was largely driven by sponsors rather than rider preference.

Q & A

What is the speaker's main goal in the video?

The speaker aims to help viewers save money on their next bike purchase by sharing insights into the bike market, including pricing trends and maintenance tips.

How has the price of high-end bikes changed over the past decade?

According to the speaker, high-end bikes like the Dura-Ace models have increased significantly in price. For example, a bike that cost around $6,000 AUD in 2013 now costs about $20,000 AUD in 2024.

What factors should a person consider when choosing a bike according to the speaker?

The speaker suggests that people should consider their goals, such as fitness, performance, and ease of maintenance. They should aim for a bike that they will spend more time riding than fixing, which is light, durable, and easy to maintain.

What does the speaker think about bikes with disc brakes versus rim brakes?

The speaker prefers rim brakes for road bikes due to their simplicity, ease of maintenance, and lighter weight. They feel that disc brakes are overcomplicated and mainly promoted due to marketing and industry pressures.

How does the speaker view the bike industry’s promotion of disc brakes?

The speaker criticizes the bike industry for pushing disc brakes on riders, suggesting that pro cyclists are forced to use them due to sponsorships, even though they prefer rim brakes.

What analogy does the speaker use to describe buying a bike?

The speaker compares buying a bike to choosing a long-term partner, emphasizing low mileage, easy maintenance, and long-term enjoyment over flashy appearances.

What is the speaker's opinion on expensive new bike models?

The speaker believes that new bike models are often overpriced and filled with unnecessary features driven by marketing. They argue that performance-focused bikes from previous years, especially those with rim brakes, provide better value.

What does the speaker say about the Tour de France and bike choices?

The speaker mentions that disc brakes are used in the Tour de France primarily because sponsors no longer offer rim brake options, not because they are superior for performance.

What is the 'Dunning-Kruger effect' reference in the video about?

The speaker uses the term 'Dunning-Kruger effect' humorously to describe people who buy expensive, flashy bikes like the SL8 Tarmac for social approval, despite not fully understanding their actual performance needs.

What does the speaker mean by 'performance-based fun' when choosing a bike?

The speaker refers to choosing a bike that is enjoyable to ride, easy to maintain, and optimized for fitness and performance without being bogged down by unnecessary, complicated features.

Outlines

00:00

💰 How to Save Big on Your Next Bike Purchase

The speaker emphasizes the outrageous price hikes in new bikes, pointing out that what used to cost a fraction now costs several times more. They highlight their extensive experience in buying and selling bikes since 2003, asserting that today’s new bike prices are extremely high. The speaker compares older models that were significantly cheaper and advises buyers to focus on what they want from a bike, whether it's for fitness or social approval.

05:03

🚴 Choosing the Right Bike: Fit vs. Approval

This paragraph dives into the two main reasons people buy bikes: for fitness or for social approval. The speaker advocates for performance bikes that are easy to maintain and enjoyable to ride, pointing out how rim brake bikes are simple to work on and perform well. They criticize new trends like integrated handlebars and complex seat posts, suggesting that they're more about aesthetics and marketing than practical performance.

10:04

🔧 The Industry’s Shift to Disc Brakes

The speaker criticizes the bike industry's move toward disc brakes, claiming that pro riders were essentially forced to adopt them due to sponsorships. They explain that rim brakes still offer better performance and are favored by serious cyclists for their simplicity and lightness. The speaker accuses the bike industry of pushing disc brakes for profit, even though many pros would prefer rim brakes.

Keywords

💡Bike purchase

The process of buying a new or used bicycle, which is a central theme of the video. The speaker emphasizes how one can save thousands of dollars by opting for second-hand bikes instead of purchasing new, overpriced models. They also highlight how the bike market has changed dramatically over the years.

💡Rim brake bikes

Rim brake bikes refer to bicycles with traditional braking systems where the brake pads apply friction to the wheel rims to slow down or stop the bike. The speaker advocates for these bikes, praising their simplicity, lightness, and ease of maintenance compared to newer disc brake models.

💡Disc brake bikes

Disc brake bikes use a rotor and caliper system to slow the bike, offering better braking power in wet conditions. However, the speaker criticizes them for being heavier, more expensive, and harder to maintain compared to rim brake bikes. This creates a contrast in the speaker's argument against new bike technology.

💡Bike industry marketing

The marketing tactics used by the bike industry to push new, expensive products onto consumers. The speaker is critical of these tactics, arguing that they convince riders to buy expensive disc brake bikes or other products that might not offer real performance benefits, but are marketed as the latest 'must-have' gear.

💡Performance bike

A bike optimized for speed, agility, and efficiency. The speaker stresses the importance of choosing a performance bike, particularly one that is light and easy to maintain, over flashy, over-engineered models. They emphasize that such bikes help riders focus on fitness and enjoyment rather than dealing with constant maintenance.

💡Bike maintenance

The act of keeping a bike in good working condition. The speaker highlights that one of the main goals of owning a bike should be minimizing maintenance efforts. They argue that rim brake bikes require less maintenance than disc brake models, saving both time and money for the rider.

💡Overpriced new bikes

A critical point in the video, where the speaker talks about how the prices of new bikes have skyrocketed in recent years. They mention that models which once cost a few thousand dollars now cost upwards of $20,000. The speaker argues that these inflated prices are unjustifiable and driven by marketing.

💡Fit as [__]

A phrase used to refer to physical fitness and the goal of riding a bike to stay healthy and lean. The speaker encourages viewers to prioritize fitness over flashy bike models, stating that a high-performance bike should be chosen for its ability to help the rider stay active and fit, rather than for its appearance or status.

💡Dunning-Kruger effect

A cognitive bias where people with low ability or knowledge overestimate their skills. The speaker uses this term sarcastically, suggesting that some cyclists buy expensive, high-tech bikes like the SL8 Tarmac S-Works to show off, despite not needing or understanding the advanced technology.

💡Tour de France

The world’s most famous cycling race, often referenced as a benchmark for bike technology. The speaker claims that the use of disc brakes in professional races like the Tour de France is more about marketing than performance, suggesting that the pros themselves prefer rim brakes but are forced to use disc brakes by their sponsors.

Highlights

The speaker wants to help listeners save money on their next bike purchase.

The deals on bikes in 2024 are considered 'insane' by the speaker.

The speaker has been in the bike industry since 2003 and offers insights from their experience.

Brand new bikes are described as 'overpriced' with prices escalating significantly over the years.

The importance of considering one's goal with the bike before purchasing is emphasized.

Lightweight and easy-to-maintain bikes are recommended for those who want to spend more time riding.

Rim brake bikes are praised for their simplicity and ease of maintenance.

The speaker suggests that seeking social approval on bike choice can lead to unnecessary spending.

The latest bikes are criticized for being heavy and expensive to service.

A proper bike fit is recommended for performance and comfort.

The speaker advises against getting caught up in marketing and to focus on one's actual needs.

Used bikes can be found for a fraction of the cost of new ones, according to the speaker.

The speaker compares bike purchasing to personal relationships, emphasizing long-term compatibility.

The difficulty of selling high-quality bikes is noted, possibly due to industry pressures.

The influence of the Tour de France on bike trends, particularly regarding disc brakes, is discussed.

Pro cyclists are described as pawns of the bike industry, with their image used for marketing.

The speaker recommends 'The Drewan Ritters Lean Body Bible' as a comprehensive guide for bike buyers.

Rim brake road bikes are celebrated for their simplicity and racing feel.

The speaker concludes by encouraging listeners to ride for fun and not just to keep up with trends.

Transcripts

I want to help you save you thousands of

dollars big fat wads of cash okay of

bills I want to help you save that much

on your next bike purchase look at that

big fat wad

there all right it's crazy the deals out

there man it's

insane I've been a bike buyer and seller

since 2003 okay was when I got my first

job in a bike shop and then I would also

trade on the side at home buying and

selling bikes so I've been in the game a

while 2024 the deals are insane all

right over here we got the best deals

ever unbelievable deals if you know you

know and then on the new bike side we

got insanely ridiculously ludicrously

extortionate overpriced in my opinion

price tags on brand new bikes what you

get a duras bike today cost you a Tarmac

cost you $20,000 Australian okay

whatever El new USD or Great British

pound and 10 years ago that bike you get

on sale brand new for like you know

$6,000 Aussie you know it's $4,000 a Jas

model like last size okay four four four

and a half Grand mate you know so I

remember seeing t m 3 for like 4 and a

half Grand with Shram red and carbon rev

Wheels here in JT Cycles back in the day

so it's crazy the differences so 4 and

half Grand in you know 2012 2013 2024 20

grand it's like almost 5x

deals so the biggest the first question

you want to ask

yourself is what's my goal with the bike

if you want to be fit as [ __ ] lean

vascular all right then you want to have

a bike that you'll spend more time

riding than fixing a bike that is light

stiff Arrow strong you get on it it's an

extension of your body the rotors aren't

rubbing it doesn't feel oh wow this is

dur feels pretty heavy it's just light

man it's you just goes bro you don't to

oh I got to do a headset service I got

to book it in that's 400 bucks just you

know like that faffy all right so you

want a bike that you spend more time

riding than fixing that you can fix very

simply and these Rim breake Doper bikes

I call them the sub seven kilo easy to

fix they work so well like just they're

just amazing they're designed for

cycling the culture Road cycling culture

always was be your own bite mechanic I

mean Wheels cheering Wheels that's the

hardest part but everything else brakes

gears bottom bracket servicing seat Pro

headset that's really simple [ __ ] all

right if I can do it if this incompetent

Aussie ban with a highly punchable face

can be a bite mechanic then anyone can

especially on the rim break Doper bikes

insanely easy to work on all right

insanely they're easier to work on than

your shoulders bro all

right seriously it's just so good so

what's the goal to be fit or do you want

to get approval social approval from the

crew on Instagram from the crew at the

cafe that's cool all right that's cool

then get an SX slate like I have all

right that's the bike for the Dunning

Kruegers oh wow spinning the spinning

the in the Wind Tunnel oh do r on that

oh l oh it's expensive I got to have

it if you want approval from people like

that that's cool get one of those SL Tac

sl8 tarmac s Works finished game over

that's the bike that's the hottest bike

you can get this year and next year and

then sl9 will come out and then it'll

SLA will fiddle out so there you go you

know I mean just what is your goal to be

fit as [ __ ] then get a full Pure

Performance Bike one where you can

customize the bike fit really well the

latest bike's getting a proper bike fit

on those one piece bars stem

combo cables going through the headset

cables going through the fork steerer

let's drill a hole in the fork steerer

compromise Integrity uh it should be

okay let's find out in 10 years time or

a year time and then you know me just a

faffy of adjusting stuff let's create a

a weirdly d-shaped seat post where if

you want to get zero offset or 20 mil

forward good luck good luck bro you know

so

272 Tac seat post Works fantastic the

latest Tac

stuff anyway uh so that's the deal so

what's the goal what is the goal if you

want approval from The Dun and Krueger

kids get the latest [ __ ] 10 years ago

the latest [ __ ] was the [ __ ] was good

stuff today the latest

[ __ ] is is drama it's weighty it's exy

it's servicing is like uh you know if

you know you know so that's the facts

there so go to ask yourself I want you

get caught up in marketing land all

right what is my goal for $200 for 200

bucks man USD you can get an insane

roote for 200 USD or even less sometimes

not stolen not crashed not cracked not

Strat

okay I like to compare a bikes as a man

as a straight bro and if you're not

straight that's fine too I'm just saying

when it comes to me with

bikes excluding the SLA I'm like that

was just you know you know I bought that

when it comes to bikes that I want to

spend a long time with the same with

women

okay has it done a lot of mileage

because a lot of mileage probably going

to have a lot of problems all right and

that's fine if you're into that okay or

it's fine if it's just for the weekend

that's cool but if if it's a bike that's

going to stay at my place and it's going

to be in the in my quiver long term it's

got to be performance-based fun to ride

easy maintenance minimal maintenance

okay low

mileage that's my Pro that's my

priorities when it comes to a bicycle

and women who I'm living with okay those

things hey call me a whatever you want

to call me that's just me I'm here to

help you okay life is very short life

can be too long if we're living in a

stressful situation so why add more

stress by buying a bicycle that the

bicycle industry is trying to push on

you for rious reasons you know versus

buying a bike that's easy to live with a

joy to ride it's insane how hard it is

to sell good bikes now people like oh

but in the T of France They Ride disc

braks I want disc braks too you

know the people and the tour to France

right dis breaks because the sponsors

canceled Rim bre options right the the

world tour hates Disc break so much that

the bike manufacturers especially

specialized T Canal had to cancel the

ring break options when remember that

when there that crossover period where

Peter seagar got paid

,000 to ride the tour to France on that

dis break specialized monstrosity

remember that remember in tan when they

Peter had those gold rims on that on

that uh that venge bike and the bike was

so heavy he was like I don't want to

race this this is [ __ ] [ __ ] and

he was jumping he he was jumping off

Gunners to crack the rims and go oh say

sorry guys I can't ride that let me ride

my normal timeout you know it was just

it was crazy man uh so the bike industry

had to pay Riders bonuses at the start

and then eventually they're like

actually [ __ ] it we're not going to give

you bonuses we just won't make the bikes

you prefer how about that to the Riders

you know so Pro cyclists are nothing but

porns for the bike industry that's just

facts you get busted doping cool we cut

ties we'll pretend we didn't know that

oh my God you you rode fast in pantani

and now you got busted for drugs oh we

had no idea we had no idea at all oh we

just thought it was our

bikes so we're cutting tires we're

cutting tires you made us millions of

dollars we're cutting tires now cuz

people know the TRU oh we're cutting

tires bad

marketing anyway that's just the that's

just the wrap up there so understand

what you want in a bike what is your

goal and if you want a buyers guide my

drewan riters lean body Bible is the

bike buyers guide it is the bike buyers

guides it is the training manual in

terms of the bicycle lifestyle if you

want to have a lean fit physique save

mega save thousands of dollars and

thousands of hours of fafy and injury

and diet nonsense then get doing what

anybody Bible scratch the nose get it

done yeah like and do the same stuff

that uh just works okay it just works if

it ain't broke don't fix it okay kiss

keep it simple silly boy keep it simple

stupid okay the road bike the rim break

road bike is just so [ __ ] amazing and

it's still so amazing Bing is like

people want something different how can

we sell them something different all

right let's go disc breaks let's get

Peter Sean on board let's get these pro

riders on board and then D and Kruegers

will just follow the Sheep will

follow now like I see I see guys who are

staunch Rim break fans go to dis break

cuz everyone in the bunch has got dis

right now I don't want to feel left out

oh my God I don't to be like I don't

look like I'm a

poo I've got the SL tarmac s works and

when I'm riding with faster Riders I

don't ride that bike I'm like no that

stays home I ride my SLA s Works time

when I'm going with slower Riders when

I'm trying to keep up with prevent

getting dropped I'm using my rim brag

bikes that says volumes even Phil guyon

cookie man right Mr fake Natty he still

when he's going for his coms he still

uses Rim brakes even though he's

sponsored with disc is like unone Rim

brakes all right when performance

matters Rim matters and uh you know why

put all that extra money into stuff and

go

slower and that's okay if you want to

keep up with the latest stuff that's

cool I'm not here to but as long as

you're riding as long as you're having

fun that's the main thing right I'm not

here here to have a dig at you I'm just

giving you the truth right if you prefer

disc brakes then you go with that all

right I I prefer dis brakes on my ebike

on my mountain bike for sure my gravel

bike yeah but not road bike my road bike

is my everyday bike it's simple to

maintain it just feels the lightest it

makes me feel the best

you cannot get the same level of racy

feel with a disc brake bike than you get

with your Rim road bike it just it is

[ __ ] night and day difference you

could blindfold me and I could tell what

bike I'm riding if it's rim or disc same

spec

obviously it's that much

difference that much difference